Lafayette County Residents Prepare for Upcoming Elections
Oxford, Mississippi—As the deadline approaches, residents of Lafayette County are gearing up for the chance to qualify for two important local elections: seats on the Lafayette County School Board and the Justice Court Judge position. The qualification period ends this Friday, September 6, 2024, giving potential candidates just a few days to complete their applications.
School Board Election Updates
Two seats on the Lafayette County School Board are up for grabs. District 3 is currently held by Dr. Judith Thompson, while District 4 is held by Mike Gooch, who has announced he will not seek re-election this year. So far, Erika Hewlett has stepped forward for District 4, while Shane Russell and incumbent Judith Thompson have qualified for District 3.
Those interested in running for the school board must meet certain requirements. Candidates need to hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent and must have been a resident of Lafayette County for at least two years prior to the election date. Additionally, they must gather 50 signatures from qualified voters residing within their district.
Justice Court Judge Special Election
In parallel, the qualifying period for the Justice Court Judge special election is also drawing to a close. This election is necessary to fill the vacancy left by the late Justice Court Judge Johnny Wayne McLarty, who passed away in December after a tragic car accident. Retired Circuit Court Judge Andrew Howorth has been serving on an interim basis until the election takes place in November.
Seven candidates have officially qualified to run for this judicial seat: Angie Allen, Michael K. Brown Jr., Michael Shane Brown, Krisi Allen, Ley Falkner, Benjamin Justus, and Deanna McLarty Massey. With such a variety of candidates, voters will have options when they head to the polls.
Voting Timeline
Absentee voting for these elections will begin on September 23 and continue until November 2. The general election will take place on November 5, with polling stations open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Both the school board and Justice Court Judge elections are nonpartisan, meaning they will not be affiliated with any political parties on the ballot. In addition to these races, voters will also find other important elections on their ballots, including those for Lafayette County election commissioners and federal positions such as U.S. president, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Representative.
Community Involvement
Local elections often hinge on community involvement, and this year is no different. Lafayette County residents are encouraged to pay attention to these local races and to consider participating in the electoral process. There is still time for anyone interested in running to gather their necessary paperwork and signatures before the deadline.
Election season is always a critical time in our community, as it shapes the future of our schools and local judicial system. As this qualification period comes to an end, many are eagerly watching to see who will step forward as candidates in these important local positions.
